[1][2] The Emporium was founded in June 2021, originally as a pop-up shop in the Morgan Arcade for that year's Pride Month.
[4][5] In March 2022, the Emporium announced that it would be hosting the first Queer Fringe Festival to be held in Cardiff history in Pride Month 2022.
[6] Later that month, the Iris Prize announced a partnership with the Emporium to host a series of film screenings, with profits going to Trans Aid Cymru.
[7] In June 2022, the Emporium issued a statement condemning the decision by Cardiff City Council to grant a licence to a Blame Gloria cocktail bar franchise in the location next to the shop, saying that a crowded daytime drinking venue could pose safety concerns to the Emporium's customers.
[11] The Emporium addressed the incident with a statement on their social media, reminding the community to support queer venues.